Anyone else feel this way? My partner and I are It's a a small town city with about 5,330 people. You can expect to pay around $3,501 for rent here. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Thoughts? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
15 upvotes
3 Replies
Katherine Stewart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 48, moved here 14 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Westside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Tampa, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
40 upvotes
Skylar
I've lived in West for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- The weather scene is average
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.